About The Author

Westley Thomas

Westley Thomas, a native New Yorker was born in the Bronx and raised on Staten Island. After graduating from Port Richmond High School in 1965 he enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps and served two tours in Vietnam 1966-1968.

On April 22, 1967, Corporal W. Thomas received a Letter of Appreciation from Commanding General, L.B. Robertshaw for serving as a member of the 1st. Marine Aircraft Wings Contingency Reaction Force.

The Force had responded immediately on 24 December 1966, to an airplane crash in a populated village in the Hoa Vang District Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam.

120 Vietnamese Nationals were killed and 20 wounded. The Force provided assistance to the survivors and extinguished the blaze during conditions involving great individual risks.

The letter was awarded for professionalism, devotion to duty, and courage. Meritoriously, Mr. Thomas received his Sergeant Promotion while in Vietnam and was Honorably Discharged as a Sergeant (E-5) in 1969.

In 1975, years after his active-duty discharge Mr. Thomas joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves 6th Communication Battalion, Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York, until 1977. Today his service is memorialized on Building 92’s History Museum Tribute Wall.

His military service awards are the following: Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (w/3 Bronze Stars), Vietnam Campaign Medal (w/60 device), Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm, Marksman and Expert Rifle Shooting Badges.

Westley Thomas has a B. A. in Dramatic Arts from the College of Staten Island. Besides writing, now he dedicates his time volunteering to help veterans as an Advocate for Veterans Rights.

Book Trailer

A Hard Decision - Book Trailer

TESTIMONIALS

What Readers Say About The Book

J. Blanco Engineer

Westley Thomas, a real life former Marine, wrote a beautiful play that show the joys and heartaches many of our military men, and their families, had to, and have to, go through. It takes you places you don't want to go, and shares experiences you hope never visit you and yours.

Richard Lethridge jr Teacher

I found that I could not put the book down until I finished reading each Scene, the suspense, to know the outcome. The hard Decision that was s made by Zena and the death of both veterans was heartbreaking to the families as well as me.

Reader of the Pack Citizen

This is an unusual book. It's written as a script for a play. At 136 pages it's a quick read about how lives are affected by the Viet Nam War. The young men who fought this war are forever changed as are their families. I was left with feelings of futility as the story ended.

George Davis IV Designation

This was a great read, I finished it in one sitting. The author writes a compelling narrative that pulls in the reader and makes you reflect on your values. It gives you a unique perspective and while you follow the main character had me reflect and evaluate what's important.

Amazon Customer Designation

A Hard Decision by Westley Thomas is a book about how the lives of the veterans were affected by the Viet Nam war. It was very interesting and I found that it was hard to put the book down until I finished it. I was anxious to know how it would end.